Watford have already made three signings in this transfer window: centre-back Samir, left-back Hassane Kamara, and defensive-midfield Edo Kayembe. More arrivals are expected this month during the January transfer window. However, attacking reinforcements are likely not going to be the focus, even with reports from France suggesting Watford want to make a swoop for Samuel Kalu.
Samuel Kalu Linked With Watford: Move Unlikely
Conflicting Reports From England and France
In the morning on Tuesday, reports from France suggested the Hornets were nearing a £3 million deal for Bordeaux winger Kalu. Later in the day, the Watford Observer countered the claims, stating club sources are almost certain that wingers will not be targeted in this transfer window.
Why Samuel Kalu Deal Is Unlikely, But Not Unforeseeable
Considering Kalu and Watford midfielder Peter Etebo have the same agent, it is possible the club and agent have had conversations about the 24-year-old who has two goal contributions in 11 Ligue 1 appearances this season. With Ismaila Sarr’s injury schedule still not yet clear, if his absence is expected to be a few more months, then a new right-winger might be sought in order to ensure Watford have enough firepower and depth in their attacking ranks. Their defence has been abysmal, whereas the attack has been the Hornets’ saving grace. Thus, they need to ensure their free-flowing attacking machine does not falter as fatigue kicks in.
But, as reported by the Watford Observer, wingers are not a focus of this month’s transfer strategy, and understandably so. The hope is that Sarr will not be out of action for too much longer – hopefully no more than two months, and optimally fewer than one. Even in his absence, the rise of Joao Pedro to top-flight fitness and Cucho Hernandez’s increased experience could prove to be just as effective, if not more, than a Kalu arrival would be.
Joshua King and Emmanuel Dennis – Watford’s two most-prolific fit forwards – can play both centrally and on either wing, meaning the Hornets already have four viable, versatile Premier League attacking options (five once Sarr returns). Thus, the £3 million would likely be better spent on a defensive-minded player for the only team yet to keep a Premier League clean sheet this season.
Kalu, who initially joined Bordeaux for nearly £8 million from KAA Gent in 2018, might be due for a transfer this month with 18 months left on his contract. Such a move being made to Vicarage Road is not impossible, though it is highly improbable.
Main Photo
